Many of us struggle with prayer.
How should I pray? What should I expect? Does God even care? What difference does it really make?
Perhaps it could be described as a Vitamin-P deficiency in our spiritual health.
If you’re a fellow-struggler when it comes to prayer, could I suggest taking a little bit of time to reflect on Psalm 17, “A Prayer of David”?
Is the Almighty Creator of the universe really listening to me?
Hear … O LORD … attend to my cry!
Give ear to my prayer…
From your presence let my vindication come!
Let your eyes behold the right! (Psa 17:1-2)
Is our Father in heaven really involved in the lives of his children?
You have tried my heart, you have visited me by night,
you have tested me… (Psa 17:3)
Can I really expect the LORD to respond to the cries of my heart?
I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;
incline your ear to me; hear my words.
Wondrously show your steadfast love,
O Savior of those who seek refuge… (Psa 17:6-7)
Does he really care? For me?
Keep me as the apple of your eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings… (Psa 17:8-9)
What difference can prayer really make?
As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness;
when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness. (Psa 17:15)
Is it any wonder, then, that Peter would encourage Christians to pray in full assurance of faith?
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. (1 Pet 5:6-7)
He is mighty, no doubt. In his hand is the ability to humble and exalt, no question. But hear the crystal-clear testimony of Scripture: he cares, for you. And he is inviting–graciously inviting you–to cast all your anxieties on him in prayer. Just like David in Psalm 17.